The left, after controlling the White House for two of the three previous administrations â and having little to show for it â is beset by ennui. Biden holds tight his old running mate, Barack Obama. He calls himself an âObama-Bidenâ Democrat. Thatâs a savvy strategy for a presidential campaign aimed at the center ground, but it could become a problem with Bidenâs own party. Some on the left are registering open disappointment with Obama.